Gomes; Corluka, Bassong, Dawson, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon, Huddlestone, Jenas, Pienaar; Kranjcar; Pavlyuchenko. Looks like those who thought Kranks could slot into the VDV role are going to get their wish Strange and not particularly good look to the team.
Team v Athletic Bilbao - Gomes; Corluka, Bassong, Dawson, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon, Huddlestone, Jenas, Pienaar; Kranjcar; Pavlyuchenko. Subs - Friedel, Kaboul, Walker, Bale, Livermore, Modric, Crouch, Defoe.
Muniain injured himself lashing out at Assou-Ekotto. A foul by the Cameroonian, in my opinion, but not a bad one by any means. Pienaar goes off injured and is replaced by Luka Modric, who receives a largely positive reception.
0-1. Pavlyuchenko heads the ball directly to San Jose from a free-kick, who reacts well to guide the ball into the net.
We're struggling to get the ball of Bilbao and when we do we're giving it away far too easily. We need to spend some time in possession and make them work for a while.
Llorente really making Pavlyuchenko look poor at the moment. Keeping it simple when he needs to hold the ball up, staying strong and causing problems. Winning headers at the back, too.
i'm glad you guys agree with what i've been thinking. michael dawson has been awful, assou ekotto top dollar and pav hasn't has a look in! Llorente's first touch and ability to hold the ball up, before finding a pass has been second to none. any one else think he might be staying behind after the game with his agent? i hope so. PNP, you're right mate. he's made Pav look poor.
Lots of changes at half-time. Bale, Kaboul, Crouch, Defoe, Walker, Friedel on. Huddlestone, Bassong, Corluka, Pavlyuchenko, Jenas, Gomes off. Kranjcar and Modric in the middle?
1-1. The much maligned Peter Crouch equalises in a lovely move, with an assist from Bale from a great ball by Modric(?). We look much, much better.
Lee Mason fails to spot a really obvious foul on Lennon on the edge of the box. Can't even get decisions in home friendlies!
